KERALA MONUMENTAL HERITAGE Archaeological Site : Bekal Fort Famous Temples : Sabarimala , Guruvayoor , Mannarshala Famous Churches : St. Mary's Church, Holy Virgin Mary Church Famous Palace : Tiru Padmanabhapuram Palace

Erstwhile Legacy of Kerala

St. Thomas Church - Kerala

Sabarimala Thiruvananthapuram

Guruvayoor Kochi

Churches In Kerala Kasargod

The definition of Kerala is not only contoured between axioms of coconut palms, pristine backwaters, ayurveda and martial art. The root-conscious people of the state have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of hearty monuments, tranquil churches and exquisite temples, that dot the lush green topography of Kerala. A holiday touring in Kerala will leave you marvel at the ethereal architecture manifested in palatial mansions and monuments, an example of how a thought can be expressed in azoic stones of countryside.

Temples - A Journey From Dusk To Dawn

The beauty of the temple architecture in Kerala is that, though restrained in the use of spaces (buildings rarely exceed the height of a palm tree), they portray an elegant composition. They present a beautiful contrast of simplicity and richness, with modular structures and multiple tiled spire, chiefly inspired through 'nalukkettu' or 'ettukettu' (four or eight sided structures with covered passages alternating with open courtyards at the centre and a verandah opening out to it). Tourists are astonished with the variety of artistic taste that reflects in the exquisite architecture (illumination of dark) of these holy monuments - central womb alcove representing the Dravidian interest and the tall flagpost representing Aryan spear - an impeccable blend of two different worlds. It is not eccentric to be amused to see how the physical experience integrates with abstract ideas of light and darkness, shift and symmetry, void and contentment going hand in hand, as you walk along the round-abouts to reach the inner sanctum of the temple.

Churches - Symbol of Purity

India boasts of being a secular country and indeed the 200 years of British reign has provided the Dravidian culture to savour the taste of western world in many ways. The ancient roots of Christianity has gone deep into its fertile earth after St. Thomas, the apostle preached his first sermon here 2000 years ago. The monuments sit around the green lung of Kerala, sprawling white devotion by the sides of blue Arabian sea. The corniced, arched and louvered frontages are honestly ornamental with magnificent stucco work. As you enter through the pilastered porticoes, leading to lush green gardens inside, feel the magic of a fantasy, carefully shielded from the erratic moods of tropical sun and monsoon rain. Visit the Marthoman Church at Mulanthuruthy, and look for the interesting archaic inscriptions and tombstones of Mor Ivanius Hidayatulla and Mor Gregorius Yuhanon made there. Drive about 2 km west of Kottayam town to spend a few hours at the magnificent Holy Virgin Mary Church (Valiyapally). This church is famous for the two granite crosses known as Persian crosses, brought here from an ancient church near Crangannore. On each of the stone slabs there is a cross with an inscription in the 'Pahalavi' language, an unforgettable dream for cryptographers, trying to decipher the codes for the past few centuries. .

Bekal fort - Kerala

Monuments - Anchored In Stone

In the quite margins of Kerala, diversity is as monotonous as salted nuts on Indian roads. The sea-kissed forts amidst the wind-caressed palms and embracing beaches, calm lagoons and patches of red earth offers every tourist a mosaic painted by God himself. The forts, which were once a hooligan of the sprawling dominions, now stand in silent testimony to the bygone glory. Kerala had always been a hub for extreme political activity in the past and has witnessed the invasion of stalwart foreign powers, due to its strategic location beside the Arabian sea. The impressive forts such as the St.Angelo's Fort, Bekal Fort, Palakkad Fort built by these colonial powers speak volumes about the foreign influence on its society and culture. As you walk beside the tall thick walls - covered with moss and lichens - listen to the tales of secret passageways hidden within the Bekal Fort, for armies to take refuge and of royal lovers finding their way of love out there. Visit the Palakkad Fort, situated in the heart of the town, its sober solitude reminds every visitor of the old tales of chivalry and courage of Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore who constructed it in 1766.

Fruits of Penitence - Archaeological Phoenix

The Government has prepared a Heritage Bill to ensure the preservation of historic monuments and buildings in Kerala, as a means to transpose past official neglect. Archeological Survey of India has taken initiatives to restore some of the forsaken monumental heritages, but equally ask for the support of society and the need to avoid commercialisation of these monuments.